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Percy Alfred Williams

Percy Alfred Williams, runner (b at Vancouver 19 May 1908; d there 29 Nov 1982). As a child Williams suffered from rheumatic fever, which left him with a damaged heart. But just a year out of high school, the 59 kg runner became

Percy Alfred Williams, runner (b at Vancouver 19 May 1908; d there 29 Nov 1982). As a child Williams suffered from rheumatic fever, which left him with a damaged heart. But just a year out of high school, the 59 kg runner became the sensation of the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, winning gold medals in the 100 and 200 m sprints against the fastest field ever assembled. He had previously tied the world mark of 9.6 seconds over 100 yards and, following the Olympics, clinched his domination of the world's top stars by going unbeaten in a spectacular series of indoor races in New York, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia. Williams's Olympic double is the most brilliant solo achievement by any Canadian in international track and field competition.